A regular meeting was held Monday, November 4, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall in
Ponchatoula, LA.
Mayor Daniels called the meeting to order and Mrs. James gave the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Council members present: Jeff Wright, Roslind Batiste, Danny Elstrott, Melvin Toomer, Vergil Sandifer
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Mr. Wright motioned to accept the minutes of the October regular meeting. Mrs. Batiste seconded the motion
which carried with all present in favor.
Mayor Daniels noted that the Building, Downtown, Fire, and Police reports are in the council packets
Mayor Daniels advised monthly Financials are in their packets.
Mr. Daniels opened the floor to the tabled Ordinance Prohibiting the sale of Mitragyna Speciosa Korth (Kratom)
and/or any of its analog in the City of Ponchatoula. Mr. Sandifer motioned to remove the Ordinance from the
table. Motion second by Mr. Wright. Mr. Sandifer motioned to pass the Ordinance. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste.
During discussion, the Council expressed their opinions on banning Kratom. Lee Ann Person, Adam Peak and Paul
Schexnaydre all advocates for Kratom spoke on their Testimony and the benefits of Kratom. After vote, a motion
for the Ordinance passed with Sandifer, Elstrott, Batiste and Wright for. Mr. Toomer against.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution to approve the Municipal Water Pollution Prevention Audit Report.
A motion was made by Mrs. Batiste to passed the Resolution. Motion second by Mr. Sandifer. Motion passed with
all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution to Surplus some Police Department Bulletproof vest. Mr. Elstrott
motioned to deem the equipment surplus. Mrs. Sandifer second the motion. Motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to a Resolution adopting the 2025 Holiday and Council meeting calendar. Mr.
Wright motion to amend the schedule changing the April and October council meeting dates from April 7, 2025
and October 6, 2024 to April 14, 2025 and October 20, 2025. Motion second by Mrs. Batiste. Motion to amend
passes with Sandifer, Elstrott, Batiste and Wright for. Mr. Toomer against. Mr. Elstrott motion to pass the 2025
schedule. Motion second by Mr. Wright. Motion passes with Sandifer, Elstrott, Batiste and Wright for. Mr. Toomer
against.
Mayor Daniels opened the floor to the approval of an Alcohol permit approval for Keys House of Soul LLC 140 N
Baronne St. Latarence Whitaker and Huey George. After discussion, Mrs. Batiste motioned to approve the permit.
Mr. Toomer second the motion. The motion passed with all in favor.
Mayor Daniels called for Officials Rights of Personal Privilege.
Mr. Wright motioned to adjourn the meeting at 6:48p.m., which was seconded by Mr. Elstrott. Motion passed with
all present voting in favor.
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J. Wesley Daniels, Mayor
Nikki James, City Clerk